ABERYSTWYTH Cycle Festival will soon return to the town once again for its fourth year, starting next Friday (24th May).

Some of Britain’s top cyclists will be making a rare appearance in Mid Wales in the three day event, encompassing a variety of different stages over the weekend.

Friday will see over 500 cyclists taking part in various events, including the professional Tour Series hitting the town, which will be televised on ITV4, along with the Juniors event and Town vs Gown.

The route will circumnavigate Old College, Aberystwyth Castle and the Pier, meaning roads on the circuit will be closed for the day.

Saturday will see downhill mountain bike racing make its debut in the festival. Qualifying will be taking part in the morning of the 25th, with the main competition later in the day, with cyclists racing down Constitution Hill and finishing on the north Promenade. Organisers are hoping it will create a ‘pit lane atmosphere’ with mechanics working on bikes, a commentary team and stalls from partners of the events. The races that day will also be Round 2 of the MIJ Racing Welsh Series.

The final day of the festival on the 26th will see cyclists taking to the terrain of the local area in one of three routes to cover all abilities, the longest and most treacherous being the 105 mile long Y Cawr (“The Giant”) route.

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